Last week, the Fort Fisher Aquarium took in 11 turtles after dramatic drops in temperature off our coast. The turtles were swimming and eating today. Those are both good signs after almost 500 of these turtles were shocked by unexpectedly cold water.

With only one turtle rescue in North Carolina, Fort fisher Aquarium Curator Julie Johnson said aquariums across the state had to open their doors to the reptiles in need.

“It was completely unexpected,” Johnson said. “We are not set up to be a rehab facility, but we do have the resources to assist when necessary. They are doing well. They’ve improved a lot in the last few days that we’ve had them, so they’re looking pretty good so far.”

Johnson said she is not sure when these little greens will be ready to head back to the ocean. WCTI reported the other aquariums in the state are releasing at least 100 of their cold-stunned turtles today.

The aquarium will also being giving sea turtle rehabilitation tours starting next week.